Best Apricot Honey Ham Glaze Recipes

Apricot honey ham glaze is a delicious and sweet glaze that is perfect for ham lovers. The glaze is made with apricots and honey that work together to provide a unique combination of flavors that blend very well with the savory taste of ham. The glaze can be used to prepare different types of hams, including baked, smoked and grilled hams. The process of making the apricot honey ham glaze is not complex, but it requires a bit of preparation to get the best results.

Ingredients

To prepare a perfect apricot honey ham glaze, you need to have all the necessary ingredients ready. Some ingredients make the glaze sweet, while others help to balance the flavors. The ingredients include:

1. Apricots

Apricots are the primary ingredient of the glaze. They provide the sweetness needed to balance the savory taste of ham. You can use dried or canned apricots. Dried apricots work well when you want to make the glaze thicker, while canned apricots have a softer texture and are easy to blend into a smooth paste.

2. Honey

Honey is the other main ingredient in the glaze. It amplifies the sweetness of the apricots and adds a rich, warm flavor. The honey also helps to give the glaze a beautiful brown color when baked.

3. Brown Sugar

Brown sugar is an important ingredient that helps to balance the sweet and savory flavors. It also gives the glaze a beautiful caramel color and adds a rich molasses flavor.

4. Dijon Mustard

Dijon mustard provides a tangy flavor and helps to cut through the sweetness of the glaze. It also helps to keep the glaze thick and sticky.

5. Apple Juice

Apple juice provides extra sweetness and also helps to balance the flavors. It also ensures that the glaze remains moist and does not dry out during the baking process.

6. Spices

Spices are optional, but they add extra flavor to the glaze. Some of the common spices used to make apricot honey ham glaze include cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice.

Preparation

To prepare the glaze, you need to follow a few simple steps.

1. Blend the ingredients

Start by blending the apricots, honey, brown sugar, and dijon mustard in a food processor or blender until it forms a smooth paste. If the mixture is too thick, add apple juice to get the desired consistency.

2. Add spices

If using spices, add them to the mixture and blend for a few seconds until they are well incorporated.

3. Apply the glaze

Once the glaze is ready, apply it to the ham evenly, making sure to get it into all the nooks and crannies. Be sure to save some of the glaze to apply during the baking process.

Baking

After applying the glaze, follow these steps to bake the ham to perfection.

1. Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Cover the ham

Cover the ham with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.

3. Bake the ham

Place the ham in the oven and bake for 15 minutes per pound. During the last hour of baking, remove the foil and apply more glaze to the ham every 15 minutes until it is fully cooked.

4. Check the internal temperature

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the ham. The ham is fully cooked when the temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

5. Rest the ham

Remove the ham from the oven and allow it to rest for about 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Conclusion

Apricot honey ham glaze is an excellent way to add some sweetness and extra flavor to your ham. The glaze is easy to make and requires only a few ingredients. The combination of apricots and honey provides a unique and delicious flavor that is perfect for baked, smoked, or grilled hams. With a little preparation and following the simple steps, you can make the perfect apricot honey ham glaze that will impress your guests and leave them wanting more.

Apricot honey ham glaze is the perfect way to add sweetness and flavor to your holiday ham. It's easy to make and pairs well with both smoked and baked hams. While there are many variations of apricot honey ham glaze recipes available, it's important to know a few tips that can help take your glaze to the next level. Here are some valuable tips when making apricot honey ham glaze recipes.

Tip 1: Choose High-Quality Ingredients

When it comes to making a delicious apricot honey ham glaze, it's important to start with high-quality ingredients. Opt for fresh apricots, locally sourced honey, and high-quality spices. By choosing the best ingredients, you'll end up with a glaze that is flavorful and sure to impress your guests.

Tip 2: Balance Sweet and Tangy Flavors

The key to a delicious apricot honey ham glaze is achieving the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. A glaze that is too sweet can be overpowering and make the ham taste cloying. On the other hand, a glaze that is too tangy can be too acidic and overpower the other flavors. Be sure to taste your glaze as you go and adjust the flavors accordingly.

Tangy Ingredients

• Mustard
• Vinegar (balsamic, apple cider or white)
• Worcestershire sauce

Sweet Ingredients

• Honey
• Apricot preserves
• Pineapple

Tip 3: Consider Adding Spices or Herbs

Adding spices or herbs to your apricot honey ham glaze can elevate the flavor and take it to the next level. Some great options include cinnamon, allspice, cloves, ginger, and rosemary. Be sure to experiment with different spices and herbs to find the perfect combination for your taste.

Tip 4: Use the Right Cooking Method

When cooking your ham with the apricot honey glaze, it's important to use the right cooking method. Most hams can be cooked using either a slow cooker, oven or grill. Slow cooking is a great option if you want to infuse extra flavor into your ham. This method allows the glaze to cook and soak in slowly over time, resulting in a tender and flavorful ham.

Tip 5: Use the Glaze Sparingly

While the apricot honey ham glaze is delicious, it's important not to overdo it. Using too much glaze can create a saturated and overly sweet ham that can be unpleasant to eat. Instead, use the glaze sparingly and apply it in thin, even layers. This will allow the glaze to caramelize and create a thin layer of sweet and savory goodness on top of the ham.

Tip 6: Garnish Your Ham

Presentation is key when it comes to a beautiful holiday ham. Garnishing your ham with fresh herbs, sliced fruits or nuts can add an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal. Some great options for garnishes include fresh rosemary, sliced oranges or pomegranate seeds. Be creative with your garnishes and have fun with it.

Conclusion

Making an apricot honey ham glaze is a simple and delicious way to add extra flavor and sweetness to your holiday ham. By following these valuable tips, you can create a glaze that is flavorful and sure to impress your guests. Remember to use high-quality ingredients, balance sweet and tangy flavors, experiment with spices and herbs, use the right cooking method, use the glaze sparingly, and garnish your ham to create a beautiful and delicious centerpiece for your holiday table.